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5 Things Learned: Arsenal 3-1 Chelsea | Premier League

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(Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images)

Three goals in the first half condemn Chelsea to sixth defeat in a row as Martin Odegaard double takes Arsenal back to the top of the table.

Frank Lampard made two changes to the side that suffered the 0-2 home defeat to Brentford with Noni Madueke and former Gunner Pierre Emerick-Aubameyang given starts.

Arsenal dominated the opening stages, and the hosts gained a deserved lead on the 17th minute when Martin Odegaard found the back of the net from a shot on the edge of the box. The Norwegian doubled his tally 15 minutes later with almost a carbon copy of his first.

The game went from bad to worse for the Blues when Gabriel Jesus made it three from close range, ensuring a horror first half for Lampard’s team.

Chelsea’s only chance of the first 45 minutes fell to Ben Chilwell whose break away shot was well saved by Aaron Ramsdale as the visitors struggled to produce any meaningful attacks in the first half.

Only one change at half time for the away side saw the returning Kai Havertz replace Aubameyang who was unable to make any impact against his former side.

The restart of the second half continued very much in the fashion of the first, Thiago Silva’s goal line clearance saving his side from going four down as Arsenal fans cheered every time their players passed the ball to each other.

The only positive to come out of the game for the Blues was Noni Madueke’s goal on the 64th minute. A ball played over the top by Matteo Kovacic was well collected by the winger who calmly slotted past Ramsdale to score his first Chelsea goal and give some hope for a miracle comeback.

Lampard’s last throw of the dice was the introductions of Conor Gallagher, Mykhailo Mudryk and Hakim Ziyech but the away team failed to find any further chances to cause late nerves in the Arsenal camp as the game came to an end.

Here are five things Absolute Chelsea learned from Tuesday night’s defeat in north London.


1) Arsenal complete the double over Chelsea

It’s been the case all season but there is clear difference in quality between two huge London rivals. The first half alone proved where both clubs currently stand and what was once a tightly contested match up, was a showing of men against boys.

Chelsea looked lost from the first whistle, unable to string any passes together and managing just six shots compared to Arsenal’s 16. Once this shocking season is over, Chelsea will need drastic changes to get back onto a level playing field with Mikel Arteta’s team.

2) Pierre Emerick-Aubameyang is not the answer

Having scored just one goal in their last seven games, Frank Lampard handed a rare start to Pierre Emerick-Aubameyang for the trip to the Emirates in the hope of giving Chelsea a change of fortune at the top of the pitch.

The former Gabonese international managed just single figures in terms of touches on the ball and had no sight of goal in a brief appearance which sums up his spell at Chelsea.

The 33-year-old was replaced at halftime and looked an uncomfortable figure leading the line as Arsenal fans cheered any loose touch and failure.

3) No David Datro-Fofana despite lack of goals

Blues fans were pleased to see Noni Madueke in the starting line up to face Arsenal but questions are raised around the lack of opportunities for Ivorian striker David Datro-Fofana.

Having made just one Premier League start this season, the 20 year old deserves the chance to showcase why the club bought him to Stamford Bridge.

With just five games to play, should Frank Lampard include the younger players who are likely to play a key part looking at next season and beyond?

Fofana has looked positive and impressive when given minutes so to not even feature in the match day squad was surprising to many.

4) Different attack, same story

Chelsea’s attack had a slightly different line up against Arsenal with Raheem Sterling and Noni Madueke partnering Aubameyang in a front three however the visitors looked extremely unlikely to cause any problems and score what would be just their second goal in eight games.

As is the familiar theme this season, Lampard’s team found themselves in positions on the pitch where they could produce opportunities, N’Golo Kante pushing forward in a four against three attack but the pass was given straight to an Arsenal defender and Sterling fluffing chances to produce a high quality final ball.

The lack of creativity and flare was clear and it was only Madueke and the substitute appearance of Mykhailo Mudryk that made Chelsea look more threatening, backing up the case for the younger players to be given more opportunities ahead of those more experienced.

5) Jorginho made the right switch

Former Chelsea midfielder Jorginho made the switch across London from Chelsea to Arsenal in the January transfer window and the decision looks be to the right move for the player based on the situation of the two teams.

In his sixth Premier League appearance in an Arsenal shirt, Jorginho played the familiar role fans are used to seeing, building play from midfield and adding an experienced calm head to the team.

The Italian received a standing ovation from fans as he was replaced in the final moments of the game which added to the pain of Tuesday night’s defeat.

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